Framework responds to complaints that BIOS update bricks Ryzen 7040 laptops
Framework has acknowledged that BIOS updates are bricking Ryzen 7040-based Framework Laptop 13 devices and says it will offer exceptions for some out-of-warranty repairs while rolling out a new recovery feature.
Laptop maker Framework has responded after users reported that BIOS updates were bricking Framework Laptop 13 devices powered by Ryzen 7040 processors. Reports of such issues date back to at least March 2025.
Following the most recent BIOS update, some users said Framework's support team told them they would need a replacement motherboard, but the company would not provide one free of charge because their devices were out of warranty.
Company's response
In a statement to Ars Technica, Framework said that in addition to replacing in-warranty mainboards, it is making exceptions for out-of-warranty replacements in cases where it can confirm that a stable-release BIOS update caused a board to become non-bootable.
The company is also introducing a new "Crisis Recovery Mode" BIOS feature designed to make failed updates directly recoverable. Framework said this functionality is already included in its latest Framework Desktop BIOS release, and it is working to bring it to the Framework Laptop 12, 13, and 16 in upcoming BIOS release cycles for each model.
Possible cause
The exact source of the problem remains unclear, as Framework has not provided further technical details. Software developer Guanzhong Chen published a detailed blog post this week describing their own experience with a bricked motherboard, suggesting the issue may stem from a software bug that displays what appears to be random memory contents on screen — a symptom reportedly also seen by other users across different BIOS versions.
Chen was ultimately able to flash new firmware onto their own motherboard, despite a support representative reportedly telling them to simply buy a new one. Chen also noted that the BIOS flashing process runs slower during normal operation than when using a cheap external programmer connected via pogo pins.
